Apparatus for handling sheets



Feb. 23, 1932.

| s. RosENER 1,846,612

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING` SHEETS Original Filed May 17. 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet l Feb. 23, 1932. L s, ROSENER' 1,846,612

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SHEETS Original Filed May 17, 1927 '7 Sheet's-Sheet 2 /N VEA/70E IZA/VDS. POSE/YE?? Feb, 23, 1932. L s, ROSENER 1,846,612

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SHEETS Original Filed May 17, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 3 By AM/fnd@ Feb. 23, 1932. s, RQSENER 1,846,612

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SHEETS Original Filed May 17, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 l I, g T ayjaz/ z y IA. Ig -103 'I il :I i n i I ma Feb. 23, 1932. s, ROSENER 1,846,612

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SHEETS Original Filed May 17, 1927 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 E ig. 5

Feb. 23, 1932. S ROSENER 1,846,612

APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SHEETS .Original Filed May 17, 1927 7 sheets-sheet s mfw H/S TTOE/VEK Feb. 23, 1932. L. s. ROSENER APPARATUS FOR HANDLING SHEETS Original Filed May 17, 1927 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 PIG] .rOJa

Nmmml l l .nahm

/N VEN To@ Elfi/VD 2. MSE/VEZ H/.s Arron/Vgn Y Patented eb. 23,- 1932 UNITED STATES .PATENT oEEICE I .ELAND s. nosENEn, or sAN rnANcIsco, cALIronNIA, AssIGNon 'ro 'rmi- PAnAFrm COMPANIES, INC., or sAN FRANCISCO, cALIFoRNI'A, A CORPORATION or DELAWARE APPAnA'rUs Pon HANDLING srrnn'rs Original application ilerl- Iay 17,

This is a division of my yco-pending application, -Serial No. 192,050, tiled May 17, 1927, which has matured into Patentv No. 1,743,397, Jani-1,1930.

' 5 The invention relates to mechanism for handling long strips of material, andespecia1ly to handling long sheets of printed Hoor- The invention possesses many other obj ects and features of advantage, some of which will be set forth in the following description of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings forming part of the specication.

It is to be understood that I do not limit myself to the showing madeby the said description and drawings, as I may adopt varying forms of the invention within the scope of the claims. n

Referring to the drawings: Figures 1a, 1b, and 1c together constitute a side elevation of the complete apparatus, showing the building housing the same in vertical section. Parts Aof the apparatus are .shown in side elevation and parts in section. In Figure la is shown the printing machine in side elevation vand the receiving end of one n Figure 1b shows the tier of racks in section. opposite or discharge end of the same tier of racks together with the hauling-in mechanism vation, one side of the downwardly extending loop being also shown. Figure 1c shows the other side 'of the loop with the loop control safety mechanism in side elevation and also the inspection table in side elevation. In all of the figures portions are omitted to reduce their size since the apparatus as actuallyinstalled is of very large proportions. For example, the height of the upper feed roll shown and the hauling-out mechanism in side ele-` in Figure 1b above thefloor in the installa-A 1927, Serial-No. 192,050. ADivided. aiu-1 this application ned, hun 20,1829. Serial No. 348,622.

izioxti now being described is more than sixty e'e l Figure V2 is a plan* view of the driving lmeans for the hauling-in mechanism; and

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the hauling-in mechanism. Both views are taken from a direction indicated bythe arrows ofl Figure 1b.

Flgure 4 is a vertical sectional view thru a Vportion of the haulin -in mechanism, the plane of section; being indicated bythe line 4 4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is a side eleva-tion partially in sec'- tion and showing the brakes on the drums of the hauling-in mechanism.

Figure 6 is a front elevation of a portion of the pulling-out mechanism, portions ofthe figure being omitted to reduce its length. The dlrection from which the view. isl taken is indicated by the arrow 6 in Figure 1b.

`Figure 7 is aside elevation of the splicing table and contained -portions of the pullingout mechanism. The grappling 'j aws for lnitlating the hauling' out movement are shown in dotted lines in their eilt-ended position and in the full lines in their retracted position.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view of one cf the grappling jaws. The scale of the Adrawmg 1s considerably larger than that of Figure Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of the drlvlng mechanism and the various electrical controls therefor.

In the manufacture of printed iioorl'lss coverings, it is'advantageous to print the deslgn on long strips of the ,base material, which are drawn into drying racks as the printing proceeds. After the strip comprising the applied design has dried, the strips are drawn out ofthe drying racks, carefully inspected and cut up into single rugs.

In terms of broad inclusion, the apparatus of this invention-comprises a plurality of tiers, preferably three in number, each tier comprising a rack adapted to support a long.

heavy strip of wet printed floor covering during the period necessary for it to dry. Means transversely movable across one end of the plurality' of tiers of racks is provided for hauling the rugs onto the selected racks as 10 they leave the printing machine; and this hauling-in mechanism also includes vertically adjustable means for positloning the hauling-in cable opposite the selected rack. Preferably two hauling-in cables are provided so that no time need be lost at the end of one rug strip, in starting the leading edge of the next rug strip into its proper rack. It is obvlous that this hauling-in mechanism is positioned opposite the same tier of racks' at the other end of which is the printing machine. The printing machine is also movable laterally across the ends of the tiers. Arranged adjacent the hauling-in mechanism and on the same end of the tiers is a group of mechanisms for hauling the dried rug strips out of the racks; and this group of mechanisms is also movable transversely across the ends of the tiers and independently of the hauling-in mechanism. This group of mechanisms includes means for gripping the end of a dry rug strip and pulling it out of the rack in such position that it may then be operated upon by a stapling machine or sewing machine to secure it to the tail end of the strip previously pulled out.

Mechanism is also included in the pullingout mechanism for continuing the withdrawal of the two strips now fast together and permitting them to be drawn along an inspection table where the rug strip may be examinedv for defects. It will be noted that while the operation of the printing` mechanism and the hauling-in mechanism may be continuous, the pulling-out of the dry rugs must be interrupted long enough to attach the leading end of one rug to the trailing end of the previously withdrawn rug. It will also be noted that the inspection table must be intermittent in its operation, since the strip must be cut up into rugs at intervals. In ordertopermitcompensation for this variation in the continuity of movement of the rug strip from the printing mechanism to the inspection table, the rug strip is permitted to form a deep loop between the pulling-out mechanism and the inspection table and this'loop is utilized in the operation of safety means for stopping the conveyors of the inspection table, or the feed rollers of the pulling-out mechanism, so that the loop of the rug strip will not become too short and tight on the one hand or pile up in folds on the floor on the other hand, in either case inevitably damaging the rug strip. The mechanism is operated electrically throughout and numerous safety devices for the close and accurate control of the rug strip are provided.

In presenting a detailed description of the invention, it will be most convenient to describe the groups of mechanisms separately. The printing machine shown i-n Figure la needs no detailed description, since it forms no part of the present invention, further than to say that a roll 2 of the strip material on which the rug is to be printed is suitably mounted at one end of the machine frame 3. As the rug is drawn across the platen 4 of the machine, the colors comprising the rug design are applied by the blocks 6, so that upon the issuance of the rug strip 7 from the machine, the pattern in Wet pigment lies on the surface thereof. The print'- ing machine is mounted on rollers 8 adapted to run on the tracks 9 set in the floor, so that the machine may be positioned in front of one of the tiers of racks into which the rug strip is drawn as it is printed.

In the present embodiment of the invention, there are three tiers of racks for holding the drying rug strips. These tiers are preferably separated by a narrow passageway thru which the workman may pass, and each tier comprises vertical supporting standards 11, spaced at suitable intervals lengthwise of the tier; and corresponding standards on each side are connected by pipes 12 extending transversely across the tier. Resting on the pipes 12 are fiat strips 13 extending the entire length of the tier and spaced apart at suitable intervals transversely of the tier so as to form a support on which the long printed rug strip may rest while drying. The strips 13 are spaced but a few inches apart and the entire tier extends from the Hoor upwardly forty or more feet, so that a large number of racks in each tier is provided. Adjacent the entrance end of each rack is journaled a roller 14 over which the rug strip is drawn into the rack.

Means are provided for drawing the rug strip into the selected rack as it leaves the printing machine. On the opposite side of the tier from the printing machine is arranged a frame comprising two outer vertical i columns 16 and two inner columns 17, connected at the bottom and provided with grooved wheels 18, adapted to run on a traclr 19, and at the top provided with a platform 21, having a slideway 22 on one side thereof adapted to engage a rail 23 fixed in the wall 24 of the housino structure. rlhe frame thus formed is capable of movement across the ends of the tiers, so that it may he positioned opposite the tier into which the rug strips are to be drawn. This frame is provided with two hauling-in cables 26 and 27, with means for operating each so that no time need be lost when one rug strip is finished in starting the next following rug strip into its rack.

Arranged for vertical adjustment on the frame 16-17 is a mounting for the pulley 28 over which the hauling-in cable passes and obviously this pulley mustbe positioned opposite the rack into which the rug strip is being hauled. This mounting comprises a block 29 slidably arranged on the edge flange of the vertical frame member 17. The block is connected to one side of the endless chain 31 which passes over a sprocket at the bottom.

lll@

Elfi

of the frame and asimilar sprocket 32, Figure 2, at the top of the frame so that movement of'the chain von the sprockets raises or lowers the block 29. The sprocket 32 is fixed for rotation with a'gear 33 meshin with the pinion`34 on the shaft 36 which a so carries the gear 37 meshing with the gear 38 fixed on a shaft 39. The shaft extends thru the gear 33 and the sprocket 32 to provide a journal therefor and at the opposite end is provided with a gear 40, driven by the reversible motor 41. By the train of gears thus provided on the platform 21, the motor dr1ves the sprocket 32 at reduced speed, to position the block 29 as desired. In order to prevent the momentum of moving parts carrying the block too far, the motor is provided with a magnetic brake 42. The brake is applied by a spring when the motor circuit is broken, and when the motor circuit is made, the brake is released by the action of a 4shunt current thru suitable windings in accordance with known practice.

Extending from one side of the block 29 is an arm 43 on the end of which the pulley 28 is journaled; and an arm 44 extends from the opposite side of the block and is (provided on its end with a slideway 46, ada te to move up and down on the adjacent ange of the column 16. Thus the structure comprising.

the arms 43 and 44 is rendered stable in what- .ever position it may be adjusted, against the stresses applied b thehauling-in cable running over the pulley 28.

Means are provided for controlling. the motor 41 and for automatically checking lthe u ward and downward movement of the bibcks 29. The reversible motor 41 is controlled by the spring. pressed switches 51 and 52, closedrespectively by the solenoids 53 and 54. The solenoid 53 is controlled by the portable push button switches 56, three of which are arranged in parallel on a suitable cable 57 within easy access of an operator standing on one of the platforms 58 at the discharge end of the tiers. Arranged adjacent the top of the column 17 is a switch 59 in series with the push button switches 56 and adapted to be opened if the block 29 is per-v mitted to ascendso as to form contact therewith. The solenoid 54 is similarly controlled by the portable push button switches 61, three of which are arranged in parallel on a suitable cable 62, side by side with the cable 57. Thispcircuit also is in series with the safety switch 63, disposed adjacent the bottom of the column 17, so that if the block descends too far the circuit is broken. Thus it will be understood that the solenoids 53 and 54 are controlled by separate switches 56 and 61 respectively and that these groups of switches 56 and 61 are in series with safety switches 59 and 63 respectively, the safety switch 59 being opened by movement of the block too far upwardly and the safety switch then perhaps fort block, as the case may be, y resorttovone or the other series of push button switches.

A similar structure duplicating that just described, comprises the arms 64 and 66 projecting from the block 67, and providing aA mounting for the ulley 68, over which the hauling-in cable 27 passes; and this structure is also vertically adjustable by means of the endless chain 69 controlled by a sprocket 7.1, driven thru a ear train 72 similar to that already describe ,by the motor 73. This motor is provided with the magnetic brake 74 and an equipment of solenoid operated switches controlled by portable push button switches similar to that described in connection with motor 41. The wiring diagram for the control of motor 41 is shown in the upper left hand 'corner of Figure 9 andthe controls for the motor 73 are not shown in the figure, but are identical and are connected in parallel therewith.

When alength of rug strip suilicient to -fill a rack has. been printed, the stri is severed. The leadin end of theA rug strip is eet from the discharge end o the rack an is connected to one of the hauling-in cables. The haulin in of this strip then continues, and meanw 'le the other haulmg-in cable is connected to the leading end of the next succeeding rug strip and printin continue; without loss of time. The means or attaching the hauling-in cables to the ends of the rug strips may be of any suitable type, but I prefer to use a two-jaw bar 76 adapted to be clamped over the leading edge o the-rug strip and connected by the lines 77 extending from the ends of the clamping bar to the ring 78 at the end of the hauling-in cable. After the rugl strip has been hauled into osition in the rack with its leading end projecting a few inches from the dischar e end thereof, as shown in' Figure 1b, the c amp is detached and carried back thru the desired rack to the entrance end by a workman operating in one of the passages separating the tiers, lso that it is ready for attachment to the leading end of a rug as soon as the one being hauled in is in position.

' Means are rovided for winding up the hauling-in cab e. Journaled upon a shaft 7 9, journaled in suitable hangers 81, arranged on the platform 21, is a drum 82 about which the hauling-in cable 27 is wound. The shaft 79 is connected thru the gears 83, shaft 84 and gears 86 with the sleeve 87, the outer end of which isV connected by the gears 88 with the motor 89. The shaft 79 is journaled within the sleeve for free rotation therein, so that the motor 89 drives the shaft 79 thru the` gear train described at reduced speed. The motor 89l is also provided with a magnetic brake 91 similar to brake 42 already 1-described, to facilitate abrupt stoppage of the motor and gear train.

A magnetic clutch 92 is provided for connecting the shaft 79 to ,the drum 82, and means are also provided for automatically braking the drum immediately the clutch is released, and for the independent and dual control of the motor. The motor 89 is controlled by the stop and start switches 96 and 97 respectively, and its speed is determined by the controller 98, all arranged adjacent the printing mechanism at the receiving end of the tiers of racks. the clutch 92 is controlled by a switch 99, also arranged near the controller 98. These switches and the controller may be arranged on a portable support to move with the printing mechanism across the face of the tiers of racks, or a plurality of groups of -such switches and controller may be conveniently arranged one in front of each tier of racks and connected in parallel.

Referring particularl to Figures 3 and 5, the drum 82 is forme at one end with a groove about which extends a cable 101, one end of which is connected to the platform 21 and the other of which is connected. to a lever 102, the end of which is connected to the plunger 103 of a solenoid 104. The plunger of the solenoid extends therethru and is connected by the slotted link 105 with the plunger 106 of a second solenoid 17 l'ocated below the first solenoid. The solenoids 104 and 107 are connected across the clutch supply leads and the motor supply leads respectively, so that they are energized to hold up the plungers 103 and 106 to prevent braking action of the cable 101 on the drum 82 when there is current in the motor and clutch supply leads. Tf the motor supply leads should fail, the solenoid 107 is deenergized and the plunger 106 merely hangs from the plunger 103, the solenoid 104 being energized and maintaining the connection between the drum and the shaft thru the train of gears to the motor 89. This would prevent the unwinding of the drum in the event such failure of current should occur when a rug strip is first entering a supply rack. If the supply leads for the solenoid 104 should fail or the clutch switch 99 be opened, the solenoid is deenergized and the weight of the plunger 102 eX- erts a tension on the cable 101 and brakes the drum. If thru some accident, the power in all of the lines is interrupted, both the solenoids 104 and 107 are deenergized and the combined weights of the plungers 103 and 106 apply tension to the cable 101 and effectively stop rotation of the drum. The internal construction and windings of the solenoids 104 and 107 is shown in the wiring diagram of Figure 9, but need not be described in detail since it is of well known construction.

Means located at the receiving end of the The energization of` racks for the control of the hauling-in cable has just been described. During most of the time the rug strip is being hauled into its rack, the control of the hauling-in drum is in the hands of an operator at this end of the racks adjacent the printing machine so that he can start or stop the drum in ac, cordance with the conditions as he views them on the rinting mechanism. As the leading end of) the rug nears the discharge end of the rack, however, it is advisable to dualize the control of the hauling-in mechanism, so that anoperator standing on one of the platforms 58, or on the floor below the platforms, can accurately place the rug by stopping the hauling-in vmechanism at precisely the right moment. Means are therefore provided for automatically establishing dual control of the motor 89 thru the push button switches 108, three of which are arranged in parallel on a suitable cable 109 hanging adjacent the cables 57 and 62.

Fixed for rotation with the drum 82 is a sprocket carrying the chain 111 which passes over a second sprocket disposed on the threaded shaft 112 so that the shaft 112 rotates with the drum. Mounted on the shaft 112 is a nut 113 having an arm 114 projecting upwardly thru a guide casing 116, so that the nut and arm move back and forth in accordance with the rotation of the threaded shaft. IOn the upper end of the arm 114 is a shoe 117 ladapted at one end of the travel of the nut to close the circuit across the terminals 118. This circuit is connected to a solenoid 119, operatively con-l nected to a switch 121, the closing of which energizesa circuit controlling the solenoid 122. With the actuation of this solenoid, a switch 123 is closed, thus throwing a resistance 124 into the windings of the motor 89. This is effective to slow down the motor 89 so that the rug strip moves very slowly. Simultaneously with the closing of the switch 121, the solenoid 119 also closes a switch 126, which closes the circuit thru a solenoid 127. This solenoid operates a switch 128 effective to cut the push button'- switches 108 into the control leads for the motor 89, so that an operator with one of these push button switches in his hand may instantly stop the motor 89 when the leading end of the rug strip projects slightly from its rack. Simultaneously with the stopping of the motor, a pilot light 129 is energized, and this is a signal to the operator adjacent the controller 98 to open the motor stop switch 96.

The hauling-in mechanism just described in connection with the cable 27 is duplicated for the cable 26, and need not be separately described further than to identify the drum 131, driving motor 132, having the magnetic brake 133, the magnetic clutch 134, the brake solenoids 136 and 137 for the drum 131, a

izo

controller 138,'switch v139 for the clutch 134, and sto and start switches 141 and 142 respective y, for the ymotor 132. It should further be noted that the switches 108 are so connected with the duplicate control systems that when the cable 26 is in use they are cut into the control leads for the motor 132 in the same manner as described in connection with the motor 89. p

Thus the haulin in of the rug strips continues until the rac s are Illed, it bein contemplated that by the time the three tiers of racks are lled, the rst printed rug strips will have suiiiciently dried to permlt their withdrawal. Means are therefore provided for pulling the dry rug strips out of the racks and delivering them to` an inspection table. This pulling-out mechanism is divisible into two groups, the first for pulling the rug strip out of the rack into position so that it may be secured to the trailing end 'of the next preceding rug; and the second group for moving the connected strips together, the front ortion advancing over the inspection ta le and the rear portionv progressing out of the rack. Arranged adjacent the structure comprising the hauling-in mechanism, but so that it may be moved across the end of the tiers of racks independently of the pulling-in structure is a frame comprising vertical columns 143 connected at the bottom and provided with grooved wheels 144 adapted to. roll on the track 146 and at the top provided with a plurality of arms 147, having thereon a slideway 148, adapted to engage a track 149, secured to the housing structure 24, so as to maintain the frame in a stable vertical position.

Slidably arranged between the columns 143 is a platform 150 surrounded by a safety railing 151 and upon which an operator is stationed. This platform is arranged on a frame 152 having standards 153 connected across the top by a beam 154 in which two pulleys 156 are journaled. Journaled in a cross-bar 157 extending between the two columns 143 is a pulley 158, and a cable'159, secured at one end to the cross-bar 157, is threaded around the pulleys as shown in Figure 6, and its end carried around a drum 161, connected thru a suitable gear train 162, with a reversible motor 163, having a magnetic brake 164. This motor is controlled by the switches 166 and 167, actuated by the solenoids 168 and 169 respectively. The solenoid 168 is controlled by the switch 171 and when this switch has been closed to actuate the solenoid 168 to close the switch 166, the mo.- tor 163 rotates vin a direction to raise the platform upon the closing of the start and stop switch 172. The-solenoid 169 is controlled by the switch 173 and when this switch is. closed to actuate the solenoid 169 to close the switch 167, rotation of the motor is in the direction to permit the lowering ofthe latform with the closing of the switch 17 2. hese switches 171, 172 and 173 are arranged conveniently l movable platform for threading a rug strip.

over suitable ide and feed rollers, so that when the trai in edge of the strip is con-- nected to the lea ing edge of a rug strip in over the feed rollers and delivered in a long loop to the inspection table. .Journaled on the platform 150 is a guide roller 176, adapted with proper ositioning of the platform,

-the rack, the connected strips may be drawn to lie opposite t e rack from which a rug is to be drawn. At the top of the frame comprisinethe columns 143 1s a guide roller 177, lying tween two feed rollers 17 8 and 17 9, connected for rotation together by the chain 181. The feed roller 178 is fixed on the same shaft with a gear 182, connected by gears 183, shaft 184 and gear 186 with the motor 187, disposed on a suitable support 188, arranged in the frame and provided with a magnetic brake 189.

The current for the motor 187 is derived from the generator 191 directly connected to a motor 192 in the well known Ward Leonard system of speed control. Closure of the switch 193 arranged adjacent the operators l platform 150 energizes the solenoid 194 to close the switch 196 controlling the main leads of the motor 192. It also closes a smaller switch 197 to energize aV solenoid 198 to close the spring opened switch 199 in the circuit 201, connected into the controller 202 and including the magnetic brake 189 and the solenoid 203, which operates the spring opened switch 204 controlling the circuit 2,06 connecting the generator 191 and the motor 187. The controller 202 is connected to the iield 207 of the generator 191, so that movement of the handle of the controller varies the field to vary theout ut of the generator, so as to 'vary the speed o the motor 187. The circuit 201 is controlled by a main switch 208 and a branch circuit in this line supplies the field 209 for the motor 187. Also controlled by the switch 197 and in series with the solenoid 198 is a safety or limit switch 211, the opening of which permits the opening of the switches 199 and 204, and the application of the brake 189. This limit switch 211 is also as to be engaged by the lower end 216 of the loop delivered from the feed roller 179 when the loop approaches close to the floor. In order to insure a desirable tautness of the loop,

a anged roller 217 is permitted to ride freely in the loop of the rug strip. If for any reason the rug strip is delivered from the feed roller 179 faster than it is being taken careof on the inspection table, the loo gradually lengthens until it strikes the we "213, pulling over the lever 212 and opening the switch 211, with the result already explained.

The advancing end of the rug strip 1s carried up over a curved guideway 218 on to the inspection table comprising a suitable frame 219, over which a plurality of endless belts 221 move. The belts are carried on the roller pulleys 222 and 223,' the irst of which is driven thru suitable speed reducing mechanismI by the motor 224. As the rug strlp passes over the inspection table, it is examlned and classified and at the end of the inspection table is cut by hand into its component rugs. Each of the rugs is then rolled up about a mandrel in a well known manner, between rollers 227, and the rolled up rug encased in a suitable container. The motor 224 for driving the conveyor belts on the inspection table is controlled by the switch 228 in a well known manner, so that when starting, a resistance 229 is included in the motor circuit 231, to give low speed to the motor. Later this resistance is out out and the motor operates at a speed determined by a spring operated rheostat 232. Means comprising a rope 233 extending along the side of the 1nspection table is provided for moving a rheostat control lever and permits the operator at this point to not only vary the speed of movement of the rug strip but to stop such movement entirely if need arise. The inspection table frame is also mounted for transverse movement on the tracks 234, by means of suitable supporting rollers, so that it may be alined with the tier out of which the rug strips are to be drawn. Preferably the table is arranged on an elevated Hoor 235 forming part of the housing structure 24, to facilitate the maintenance of the loop. After the severance and packing of the undivided rugs, they may be dropped thru a suitable chute to the shipping ioor below.

In order to guard against the possibility of the inspection table drawing the rug strip too rapidly from the loop, means are provided for stopping the motor 224 when the loop reaches a predetermined position. Fastened to each side of the flanged roller 217 is a cable 236, the ends of which are connected to a lever arm 237 connected to a bar 238 normally closing a gap in the circuit of the motor 224. If the proportionate speeds of the feed rollers 179 and inspection table conveyor belts is such as to unduly shorten the loop, tension is applied to the cables 236 as indicated in the dash and dot lines of Figure 1c, 'resulting in the opening of the gap and the stopping of the motor 224. If the feed rollers 179 still continue to operate, this of course lengthens the loop and slackens the cables 236, thusv permitting the bar 238 to again close the gap and start the motor 224 once more. If for any reason the feed rollers 179 are stopped, the continued operation of the inspection table conveyor belts ultimately shortens the loop and o ens the gap in the motor circuit, followed a most immediately b the closing of the gap between the termina s 239, in cirrollers were delivering it and would be a signal to him to increase the speed of delivery.

Arranged adjacent the inspection table are red and green signal lights 242 and 243, so arranged as to indicate the condition of the loop, the red light indicating the highest position of the loop and the green light indicat- "ing the lowest position of the loop to the operator in charge of the inspection table.

As previously noted, the pulling-out mechanisin includes means for pulling the dry rug out of the rack, so that its leading edge may be secured to thetrailing edge of the preceding rug. Fixed underneath the platform 150 on the frame 152, at each side, is a slideway 246 in which is slidably arranged a frame 247 havinga metallic top 248, each end 249 of which is downwardly curved. The slides on the frame 247 are furnished by the flanges 251, each of which is provided with rack teeth 252 engaged with a pinion 253 arranged on the shaft 254. The shaft is also provided with a gear 256, connected by the gears 257 with the reversible motor 258, so that rotation of the motor is eective to move the frame 247 back and .forth in the slideways 246. The motor is controlled by the switch 259, manually operated and conveniently arranged on the platform 150. Figure 7 shows the frame 247 in full lines in retracted position, and in extended position in dash and dot lines. t

Arranged on the front nd of the frame 247 are a plurality of gripping clamps for seizing the edge of the rug strip projecting from the rack. Each clamp comprises a fixed jaw 261 I and a movable liaw 262, mounted on a pivot pin 263 and having an arm 264 disposed below the end of the piston rod 266, projecting downwardly thru the bottom of the air cylinder 267 from the piston 268 disposed therein. The lower end of the cylinder below the piston is open to the atmosphere, but the upper end of the cylinder above the piston is connected by the pipe 269 to the control valve 271, also connected by means of the flexible conduit 272 to any suitable source of air under pressure. The valve 271 is also arranged with means for connecting the pipe 269 into the atmosphere, so that pressure in the cylinandere y der above the pistony may be relieved to release the clamps.

From the above it will be understood that after proper positioning of the platform frame 152, the clamp frame 247 may be run out into extended position to catch the rojecting end of a rug strip between the jaws 261 and 262 of each of the clamps. Manipulation ofthe valve 271 then causes the clamps to seize the end of the rug and the clamp frame may then beretracted into the position shown in Figure 7, pulling the rug out of the rack to that extent. The jaws of the clamps are then released and the leading edge 273 of the rug is ready for securing to the trailing edge 274 ofthe preceding rug strip. Means are provided for holding the leading end of the rug strip in position and also for supporting the lapped edges during the stitching operation. Journaled in the frame 152 is a shaft 276 adjacent each end of which is fixed a gear 277, each gear meshing with the rack teeth 278 of a vertically disposed slide 279. The tops of the two slides are connected by a channel 281 so that rotation of the shaft 276 in one direction raises the channel to clamp the rug strip against the rubber block 282 suitably supported on the frame 152. Rotation of the shaft 276 in the other direction lowers the channel 281 to a position below the path of movement of the clamp frame 247. The shaft 276 is also provided with a sprocket wheel connected by the chain 283 with the piston rod 284 extending from a. piston disposed in the air cylinder 286. Each end of the air cylinder is connected by the pipes 287 with the valve 288 connected into the air line 272, so that the piston vin the cylinder 286 and connected piston rod 284 may be moved in either direction at the will of the operatr. v

Also journaled in the frame 152 is a shaft 289 upon which is fixed a plate 291 extending transversely across the frame 152 and provided at its outer end with an anvil block 292, against which the staples are driven thru the lapped rug ends. Also fixed on the sha-ft 289 is a segmental gear 293 meshinff with teeth 294 formed in the piston rod 295, the outer end of which is guided in a fixed sleeve 296, and the other end of which is connected to a piston within the air cylinder 297. This air cylinder is also connected b v the pipes 298 with a valve 299, having suitable connection with the air line 272. Normally the plate 291 carrying the anvil lies in the horizontal position shown in the dotted lines'. but by proper manipulation of the valve 299, the piston rod 296 is forced into extended position to raise the plate and anvil into the operative position shown ready for the stitching or stapling operation.

After the rug has been pulled partially out of the rack and the lapping edges arranged as shown in Figure 7 with the rug firmly held tion, a stitchingor lstaplin machine is run across the lap to secure t e two ends tother. This stitchingv mechanism is of own type vand need not be described in detail, further than to say itcomprises a stitch` ing mechanism is mounted on a carriage 307 havin grooved wheels 308 adapted to run on ra' s 309, suitably arranged on the frame 152. The oplerator after starting the motor 304 pushes t e stitching mechanism carriage alon the rails across the frame, so that stitc es or staples are applied to the lapped edges of the rug strips to secure them t0- gether. Thus the operator is enabled to ut any desired number of staples or stitches t ru the lapped edges by varying the speed of the carriage across the frame.

After the la ped edges have been stitched together, the channel clamping bar 281 and the anvil plate 291 are dropped out of the way by suitable manipulation of the valves 288 and 299 and the feeding of the connected rugs once more started, thus pulling the rug strip out of the rack until its trailing edge reaches the platform, whereupon the platform is dropped opposite to the next rack and the clamping frame once more brought -into operation to pull out the next rug, so that its leading edge may be similarly attached to the trailing edge of the preceding rug.

Referring now to Figure 9, 1t will be noted that three-phase current is supplied to the various electrical apparatus r uiring it, thru the main supply leads 312, an that this is in addition to two-phase current supplied to certain of the apparatus from the supply leads 201. In both lines, suitable control switches are placed and such measuring instruments as may be needed, for exam le, the ammeters 313 connected in circuit wlth the motors 89 and 132.

1. An apparatus for handling sheets, comprising a plurality of racks for holding the sheets, an operating station, means for pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop to said operating station, and means actuated by said loop in its movement to different levels for controlling the operation of the feeding means.

2. An apparatus for handling sheets, comprising a plurality of racks for holding the sheets, an operating station including a conveyor for receiving the sheets, means for pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop to said conveyor. and means actuated by said loop in its 'against the block the anvil in posii movement to different levels for controlling the operation of the feeding means.

3. An apparatus for han ling sheets, comprising a plurality of racks for holdlng the sheets, an operating station including a conveyor for receiving the sheets, means for pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop .to said conveyor, and means actuated by `said loop in its movement to different levels for controlling the operation of said feeding means and said conveyor. j

4. An apparatus for handling sheets, comprising a plurality of racks for holding the sheets, an operating station includin a conveyor for receiving the sheets, means or pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop to said conveyor, and means actuated by said loop when it rlses past a predetermined level for stopping the conveyor, and means actuated by said loop when it falls below a predetermined level for stopping said feeding means.

5. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising an operating station includmg a conveyor, means for feeding a sheet 1n a loop to said conveyor, electric control means for said feeding means and for said conveyor, a free roller carried by the sheet and adapted to ride freely in said loop, means operatively connecting the roller to said conveyor control means when said loop rises past a predetermined level, and means activated by the roller weighted loop when it falls below a predetermined level for actuating the feeding means control means.

6. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising a plurality of tiers of racks for holding the sheets, an operating station at which the sheets are treated and adjustable opposite the exit end of a selected tier, a frame movable across the exit end of the same tier between the operating station and the tier, and means on the frame for pulling the sheets out of selected racks, means for attaching the sheets together and means for feeding the attached sheets to the operating station.

7. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising a plurality of tiers of racks for holding the sheets, an operating station at which the sheets are treated and adjustable opposite the exit end of a selected tier, a frame movable across the exit end of the same tier between the operating station and the tier, means on the frame for pulling the sheets out of selected racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop to the operating station, and means actuated by said loop for controlling the feeding means.

8. An apparatus for handling sheets, comprising 'a tier of racks for holding the sheets, a main frame disposed opposite the end of the tier, an adjustable frame arranged on the main frame adapted to be positioned opposite the end of selected racks, means for attaching the sheets together, a roller on the adjustable framer over which the attached sheets )ass as they are drawn from their racks, eed means on the main frame for pulling the attached sheets out of the racks, an operating station for receiving the sheets, and means actuated by the attached sheets between the feed means and the operating station for controlling the feed means.

9. An apparatus for handling sheets, comprising a tier of racks for holding the sheets a main frame disposed opposite the end of the tier, an adjustable frame arranged on the main frame adapted to be positioned opposite the end of selected racks, means for attaching the sheets together, a roller on the adjustable frame over which the attached sheets pass as they are drawn from their racks, feed means on the main frame for pulling the attached sheets out of the racks, an operating station including a conveyor for receiving the sheets, and means actuated by the attached sheets between the feed means and the operating station for controlling the conveyor.

10. An apparatus for handling sheets, comprising a tier of racks for holding the sheets, a main frame disposed opposite the end of the tier, an adjustable frame arranged on the main frame adapted to be positioned opposite the end of selected racks, means for attaching the sheets together, a roller on the adjustable frame over which the attached sheets pass as they are drawn from their racks, feed means on the main frame for pulling the attached sheets out of the racks, an operating station including a conveyor for receiving the sheets, and means actuated by the attached sheets between the feed means and the operating station for controlling the conveyor and the feed means.

An apparatus for handling sheets comprlsing an operating station including a conveyor, means for feeding a sheet in a loop to said conveyor, control means for said feedmg means and for said conveyor, a free roller carried by the sheet and adapted to ride freely m said loop, means operatively connecting the roller to said conveyor control means when the loop rises past a predetermined level, and means actuated by the roller weighted loop when it falls below a predetermined level for actuating the feeding means control means.

12. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising an operating station including a conveyor, means for feeding a sheet in a loop to said conveyor, electric control means for said feeding means and for said conveyor, means including a weighted roller adapted to ride freely in said loop and a cable operatively connecting the roller and conveyor control means for actuating the latter when said loop rises past a predetermined level, and means actuated by the weighted roller when the loop falls below a predetermined level for actuating the feeding means control means. y

13. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising a plurality of racks for holding the sheets, means for pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attachin the sheets together, means for feeding t e attached sheets in a loop, and means actuated by said loop in its movement to different levels for controlling the operation of the feeding means.

14. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising a plurality of racks for holding the sheets, means for pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop, and means actuated by said loop when it falls below a predetermined level for stopping said feeding means.

15. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising a plurality of racks for holding the sheets, means for pulling the sheets out of their racks, means for attaching the sheets together, means for feeding the attached sheets in a loop, elective control means for said feeding means, a roller carried by said loop, and means actuated by the roller weighted loop when it falls below a predetermined level for actuating the feeding means control means.

16. An apparatus for handling sheets comprising a plurality of tiers of racks for holding the sheets, a frame lmovable across the exit end of a selected tier, means on the frame for pulling the sheets out of-selected racks, means for attachin the sheets together, means for feeding t e attached sheets in a loop, and means actuated by said loop for con- -trollin the feeding means.

17. n apparatus for handling sheets comprising a tier of racks for holding the sheets a main frame disposed opposite the end o the tier, an adjustable frame arranged on the main frame adapted to be positioned opposite the end of selectedracks, means for attaching the sheets together, a roller on the adjustable frame over which the attached sheets pass as they are drawn from their racks, feed rollers on the main frame for pulling the attached sheets out of the racks,.and means actuated by the attached sheets upon leaving the feed. rollers for controlling the feed rollers. v

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set m hand. 'y' LELAND S. ROSENER. 

